Priyanka Bose on Her Role in Gulaab Gang & Shunyo Awnko [Diva in Focus]

Priyanka Bose started her career with small roles in films such as LSD (LoveSex Dhoka), Johnny Gaddar and Guzaarish. But, she rose to fame soon with Italo Spinelli's internationally acclaimed film, Gangor. Priyanka won the best actress award for the same at the New Jersey Independent South Asian Cine Fest. After that, there's been no looking back for the talented and sultry actress.

She talks to us about her upcoming projects and more.

Samreen Samad, Team iDiva

Q
Tell us about yourself?

Priyanka Bose

A I’m from Delhi and I finished my education in BA (hons) from Delhi University. The doors to performing arts opened almost immediately. I was trained to be a dancer from the early age of six. When I was 16, my aspirations for being a performing artist sprung up. Having parents cynical enough to not understand the idea of training in the field, I learnt everything I could while working my way up with dance companies and Production Houses. After a reality show bought me a ticket to Bombay, I decided not to return to Delhi but make whatever magic I could here. Having now lived and made my home here for a few years, the rise towards my chosen goal has been a slow but steady one. I worked in theatre, doing original as well as adapted plays, The film medium has been extremely attractive. I had the pleasure to work with directors like Onir (Sorry Bhai), Dibakar Banerjee (LSD), Sanjay Leela Bansali (Guzaarish) and Sriram Raghavan (Johnny Gaddar).

Samreen Samad, Team iDiva

Q
You are currently working in Gulaab Gang. Tell us about your role.

Priyanka Bose

A The character I play is very interesting and I’m currently shooting for the film. Hence, I won’t be able to disclose much till the time is right.

Samreen Samad, Team iDiva

Q
What was it like working with veteran actresses like Madhuri Dixit and Juhi Chawla?

Priyanka Bose

A Madhuri is great! She is just a fire power and I barely had any scenes with Juhi Chawla.

Samreen Samad, Team iDiva

Q
Did you always want to become an actress?

Priyanka Bose

A Yes, I always wanted to be a performing artist.

Samreen Samad, Team iDiva

Q
Tell us about your journey to becoming an actress.

Priyanka Bose

A Lots and lots of studying and hard work. A bit of struggle and many rejections later, I am here!

Samreen Samad, Team iDiva

Q
You had to do bold scenes in the film Gangor. How easy or difficult was it for you?

Priyanka Bose

A Doing bold scenes in a film is not easy at all and the difficulty level was really high when I had to do bold scenes in Gangor.

Samreen Samad, Team iDiva

Q
You did a Bengali film alongside Konkona Sen. Tell us about your role in Shunyo Awnko.

Priyanka Bose

A My character's name is Jhilik who is a house wife to this high-flying corporate guy (Priyanshu Chatterjee). Independent and a working woman at one time before marriage, Jhilik feels trapped being alone the entire time, making a home. This is a coming of age story. I had a great time working with Priyanshu. The film released on January 18, 2013.

Samreen Samad, Team iDiva

Q
You have a production house – PaapiPet. How did that happen?

Priyanka Bose

A Paapipet Pictures is a collaborative effort with two of my dear friends Jaydeep Sarkar and Rheyan Jhaurie. I worked with them on something and decided we had many things in common and just too much bursting energy to just wait for life to happen. We are in the business of manufacturing television commercials, musicvideos and short format fiction. We want to eventually move into making movies, but slowly and steadily!

Samreen Samad, Team iDiva

Q
If not for acting, what was plan B?

Priyanka Bose

A There wasn't any plan B.

Samreen Samad, Team iDiva

Q
Which Indian actress inspires you?

Priyanka Bose

A At the moment, it would be Vidya Balan.

Samreen Samad, Team iDiva

Q
One role you wish you had played?

Priyanka Bose

A Hmmm... I haven't really given it a thought. I have liked a few things, but never 'I wish I did that' kind of moments really.

Samreen Samad, Team iDiva

Q
What are your plans for the future?

Priyanka Bose

A I would say I plan and look forward to doing some really great work.

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